Innovation Aluminium Glowing for it

Glazing is no longer just a functional aspect of a residential project; it’s fast becoming a way to ensure compliance with the incoming Future Homes Standard, and one product innovation addressing both the regs and the need to deliver thermal comfort is heated glass for bi-fold doors.

Meeting the brief to incorporate multi-functional heating and glazing into a carport conversion/extension onto a Shropshire property, fabricator, Innovation Aluminium, partnered with TuffX, to deliver a solution which ticks every box.

The brief

The builder managing this project approached Innovation Aluminium, which delivers nationwide from its Leicestershire factory, to discuss glazing options for a homeowner adding bi-fold doors to the rear of a carport conversion/extension on a Shropshire bungalow.

With plans to knock through into the existing kitchen space, the homeowners wanted to maintain as much interior layout freedom as possible in their new floor plan, allowing for their desired fixtures, fittings and unique furniture pieces.

The solution

Dedicated to helping trade customers stay ahead of the latest industry innovations and furthering a 25-year partnership, Innovation Aluminium is one of TuffX’s official Glow heated glass partners, and the team offers extensive knowledge of the product and suitable applications.

The builder opted for a two-pane aluminium bi-folding door system from Innovation Aluminium, which serves a double duty – flooding the space with natural light while also being the primary heat source, thanks to TuffX’s Glow heated glass panels.

Glow-heated glass comprises a sealed unit layered with an intelligent, invisible conductive coating that is electrically heated to convert electric power to emit radiant heat into the home. The Glow glass is thermostatically controlled and, using infrared technology, the glass surface temperatures reach 35-40°C with an average hourly cost of around 9p per bi-fold door.

Glow also boasts impressive U Values as low as 0.7m2/K to ensure optimal warmth without the risk of overheating and conforms to EN12150 and EN1279 Parts 1-4, too.

The result

This completed bi-fold installation met the homeowner’s brief of creating a thermally comfortable space and freeing up wall space for their interior design, with complete freedom to arrange furniture, without restrictions from wall-hung radiators.

Enabling smooth installation, for this project, Innovation Aluminium supplied the Glow bi-fold units pre-wired, allowing the installers to glaze the extension similarly to conventional double-glazed units. The units were also pre-gasketed and featured quick-glaze beads, significantly reducing installation time. The simple electrical connections were then carried out by a qualified electrician directly into the existing 240V mains supply.

With Glow, the homeowners will enjoy uninterrupted views of their outdoor space with minimal condensation, thanks to the heated glass, and the ideal balance of comfort, convenience and aesthetics.